The Egyptian Book of the Dead is widely known as a guidebook to the afterlife. Yet when we look closely, its texts and images often suggest prayers and ritual instructions that make little sense in relation to death. Egyptologist Rune Nyord explores whether modern interpretations have been shaped by Christian ideas of trial, judgement, and salvation and offers a fresh reading of the ancient texts rooted in their Egyptian cultural context.
Rethinking the Egyptian Book of the Dead
Talk
Mummy Wrapping of Petosiris, Son of Nanesbastet (detail), Egyptian, about 300–100 BCE. Ink on linen. Getty Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Kraus
About
Rune Nyord
Author and Scholar
Rune Nyord is associate professor of religious studies at the University of Southern Denmark. He is the author of several books on ancient Egyptian art and religion, most recently Yearning for Immortality: The European Invention of the Ancient Egyptian Afterlife (University of Chicago Press, 2025). He is currently working on a monograph on new ways of reading and viewing the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Before joining the University of Southern Denmark in 2026, he taught ancient Egyptian art and archaeology at Emory University, where he served as director of ancient Mediterranean studies and chair of the Art History Department.
Know Before You Go
Duration
Approximately 1 hr.
Can’t make it?
Shortly following this event, a recording will be available on Getty's YouTube channel under "Talks and Conversations."
Related Exhibitions
Need help?
Contact us! 9 am–5 pm, 7 days a week
(310) 440-7300